A TEENAGER from Thurrock who admitted six robberies following an investigation by Grays detectives has been handed a 50-month sentence.

Kevin DaSilva, 19, of Botany Terrace, London Road, Purfleet, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on to serve the term in a Young Offender Institution. The judge also imposed an extended licence period of 12 months.

The court heard how DaSilva had robbed three people in Grays on 3 December 2024 – taking three mobile phones and a bank card.

On 3 April 2025, with another man, DaSilva robbed one man of a mobile phone and a beanie hat and a second man of a beanie hat in Crown Road, Grays.

His sixth robbery was committed on 8 October in Toronto Road, Tilbury, when he confronted a man with an e-scooter and rode off on it.

DaSilva was taken into custody.

The following day, 9 October, DaSilva threatened another man with a machete in Grays High Street.

Minutes later, DaSilva was stopped by two officers from Thurrock Neighbourhood Policing Team. A search revealed a quantity of cannabis in his pocket and DaSilva was arrested.

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Relating to this last incident, DaSilva admitted threatening a man with a machete and possession of cannabis. He admitted a second count of cannabis possession, relating to an incident on 1 May 2025.

As well as the YOI term, the court imposed restraining orders prohibiting DaSilva from contacting or attempting to contact, directly or indirectly, four of his victims for seven years, and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all weapons seized, the cannabis and associated drug paraphernalia.

DaSilva had denied possession of an offensive weapon on 8 October and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm on 9 October and the court ordered that both charges lie on file.

Neighbourhood policing officer PC Darren Wakeling said after the hearing that DaSilva's sentence had made the streets of Thurrock safer.

"He is a serial offender who has a negative impact in our communities. The streets of Thurrock are safer for DaSilva being detained in a Young Offender Institution.

"And I hope his victims feel reassured by the court's sentence."

Investigating officer DC Kevyn Steel added: "DaSilva is a violent offender who, I am sure, would have gone on to commit more robberies had he not been caught. I would like to praise the bravery of the victims in supporting the investigation."